Universidad del Turabo

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3 Copyright August 2011 Ana G. Méndez University System. All Rights Reserved. IMPORTANT NOTES: Universidad del Turabo Catalog is published for informational purposes and should not be considered as a contract between a student and the Institution. Information contained herein supersedes that previously published and is subject to change. The Ana G. Méndez University System and its institutions do not exclude from participation, nor deny benefits to, nor discriminate against, any person on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, social status, physical or mental impediment, nor on the basis of an individual s political, religious or social creed. At Universidad del Turabo (UT), every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information. However, the University reserves the right to change without notice statements in the catalog concerning rules, policies, fees, curricula, courses, or other matters when necessary. Changes may apply to current and former students. Universidad del Turabo reserves the right to make changes in course offerings, curricula, and other policies affecting its programs. In the specific case of a curriculum revision, current students will be moved horizontally to the new curriculum. Students will be required to take new courses at a level higher than that at which the student is currently enrolled but never courses at a level below. All current and former students enrolled in the Institution are subject to these conditions. In addition, UT is currently reviewing and restructuring many of our academic programs in an effort to enhance their quality and improve our efficiency. In that process, some of the programs and courses mentioned in this catalogue may be modified, consolidated with other programs or courses, or eliminated. If you have questions about a particular program or course, you should contact the appropriate university school or department. In case that a program is eliminated, the program director will prepare a course schedule to assure the graduation of those students enrolled in the program. It is the student s responsibility to know and comply with the rules expressed herein, which coincide with current bylaws and regulations of the University, the administrative resolutions and the federal laws on civil rights.

4 CONTENTS OUR PROFILE... 7 VISION... 7 MISSION... 7 VALUES... 7 INSTITUTIONAL GOALS... 7 ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS... 8 STATEMENT OF LICENSURE... 8 CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION & BOARD OF DIRECTORS... 8 CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION... 9 LEGISLATIVE BOARDS DOCTORAL STUDIES CENTER MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM FOR INNOVATION (MEPI) RESEARCH INSTITUTES TELECOMMUNICATIONS INSTITUTE (IT+) PUERTO RICO ENERGY CENTER (PREC) INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (I 3 ) INTERNATIONAL CENTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (CIEMADES) ADMISSIONS GENERAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS ADMISSIONS FORMULA ENGLISH/SPANISH PLACEMENT TEST READMISSION TRANSFER STUDENTS COURSE VALIDATION ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST PRE COLLEGE COURSES RESIDENCE TRANSIENT STUDENTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EFFECTIVE DATES TUITION AND SPECIAL FEES CLEAR STATEMENT ADJUSTMENTS AND REFUNDS FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS STATE FUNDS FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS WORK STUDY PROGRAM FAMILY FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL LOANS PROGRAM FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION AND RENEWAL ACADEMIC REGULATIONS REGISTRATION FOR COURSES CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS ACADEMIC LOAD ATTENDANCE GRADING SYSTEM GRADE CHANGES GRADE APPEALS Undergraduate Catalog

5 INCOMPLETE I GRADE REPEATING COURSES WITHDRAWALS CHANGES IN THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES STANDARDS FOR ACADEMIC PROGRESS ACADEMIC PROBATION ACADEMIC SUSPENSIONS APPEALS REINSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FAMILY RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT INFORMATION STATEMENT RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS GRADUATION WITH HONORS COURSE VALIDITY STUDENT SERVICES ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES HEALTH SERVICES ARMY, AIR FORCE (ROTC) SERVICES FOR DISABLED STUDENTS BOOKSTORE AUTOMOBILES ON CAMPUS DINING SERVICES STUDENT ACTIVITIES STUDENT GOVERNMENT STUDENT PUBLICATIONS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS UNIVERSIDAD DEL TURABO CHOIR THEATER WORKSHOP ATHLETIC AND INTRAMURAL PROGRAMS VETERANS SERVICES EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY SERVICES COLLECTIONS DEVELOPMENT COMPUTER RESOURCES EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DISTANCE EDUCATION MUSSEUM AND CENTER FOR HUMANISTIC STUDIES DR. JOSEFINA CAMACHO DE LA NUEZ EVENING AND SATURDAY PROGRAM CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES AHORA PROGRAM OFF CAMPUS CENTERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP BACHELOR S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: ACCOUNTING BACHELOR S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION SYSTEMS BACHELOR S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: MANAGEMENT BACHELOR S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: MARKETING BACHELOR S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: OFFICE TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT... 34

6 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION BACHELOR S DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: PRESCHOOL EDUCATION BACHELOR S DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: PRIMARY EDUCATION (K 3) BACHELOR S DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: FOURTH TO SIXTH GRADE BACHELOR S DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR: BIOLOGY BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR: CHEMISTRY BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR: TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR: GENERAL SCIENCE BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR: HISTORY BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR: MATHEMATICS BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR: VOCATIONAL INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION BACHELOR S DEGREE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION MAJOR: SECONDARY EDUCATION BACHELOR S DEGREE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION JOSÉ DOMINGO PÉREZ SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL AND MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES BACHELOR S DEGREE IN NURSING SCIENCES BACHELOR S DEGREE IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN BACHELOR S DEGREE IN DESIGN WITH CONCENTRATION IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN (BDES) BACHELOR S DEGREE IN DESIGN WITH CONCENTRATION IN GRAPHIC DESIGN (BDES) BACHELOR S DEGREE IN DESIGN WITH CONCENTRATION IN INTERIOR DESIGN (BDES) SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BACHELOR DEGREE IN NATURAL SCIENCE: GENERAL SCIENCE BACHELOR S DEGREE IN NATURAL SCIENCE: BIOLOGY BACHELOR S DEGREE IN NATURAL SCIENCES: CHEMISTRY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SOCIAL SCIENCE: GENERAL PROGRAM BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SOCIAL SCIENCE: PSYCHOLOGY BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SOCIAL SCIENCES: CRIMINOLOGY BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SOCIAL SCIENCES: COMMUNICATIONS BACHELOR S DEGREE IN SOCIAL SCIENCES: SOCIAL WORK BACHELLOR S DEGREE IN HUMANITIES: SOCIO HUMANISTIC STUDIES BACHELOR S DEGREE IN HUMANITIES: GRAPHIC DESIGN RETENTION INDEXES Undergraduate Catalog

7 CATALOG UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS OUR PROFILE Universidad del Turabo is a nonprofit institution of higher education located 15 miles southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, within easy reach of the entire east central part of the island. Its 140 acre suburban campus and its fifteen buildings provide an ideal atmosphere for the learning experience. The university also has centers in Yabucoa, Cayey, Naguabo, Isabela, Ponce, and Orlando (in the state of Florida). It is a professionally oriented institution with a variety of offerings from technical certificates to doctoral degrees. The institution serves a diversified student body mostly from the surrounding communities, with a variety of economic and educational backgrounds. Founded in 1972, Universidad del Turabo has continued to grow in the new millennium. The student population of more than 15,000 is composed of young adults and professionals. The academic staff consists of more than one hundred seventy six (176) full time faculty members and two hundred (200) adjunct professors. The full time faculty members hold doctorates and master s degrees in their fields of expertise. Nearly fifty five (55) percent of Universidad del Turabo s full time faculty are professors or associate professors, and forty five (45) percent are assistant professors or instructors. The gender distribution of the faculty is equally divided. Universidad del Turabo is a member of the Ana G. Méndez University System. The academic offerings of the institution are organized into six main areas: Engineering, Science and Technology, Health Sciences, Education, Business Administration, and Human and Social Sciences. VISION The vision of Universidad del Turabo is to be a high quality learning community dedicated to enhancing education among its student population and promoting advanced technology with an international orientation. MISSION The mission of Universidad del Turabo is to enhance knowledge through excellence in teaching, and to foster research, innovation, and the internationalization of its programs. The University is committed to graduating well educated, professionally competent students who can think critically and are technologically literate. The institution also promotes the development of ethical principles and values that will allow our graduates to contribute to the well being of the community through their knowledge of social systems and their role as responsible citizens. VALUES Universidad del Turabo is committed to: Freedom of thought and expression. Recognition of and respect for diversity. Respect for the dignity of the individual. Excellence in teaching and the generation, dissemination and application of knowledge. Promotion of ethical, social, and cultural values. Excellence in planning, operations and service. Respect for nature and the environment. Promotion of human and esthetic sensibility. INSTITUTIONAL GOALS To accomplish its mission, the institution recruits and develops quality human resources to excel in academic affairs, community involvement, cultural development, international collaboration, and sports. Universidad del Turabo will: 1. Maintain a flexible admissions policy in which each academic school establishes requirements for its programs. 2. Provide services to a diversified student body to help them achieve their academic and personal goals. 3. Foster research to strengthen the teaching and learning processes as well as to improve the quality of life in the surrounding communities. 4. Promote the internationalization of its academic programs through strategic alliances. 5. Develop and implement a systematic faculty development plan to improve academic credentials, pedagogical competencies and instructional technology skills. 6. Recruit and develop quality human resources. 7. Provide academic skills and career oriented activities to precollege students, as well as opportunities for Undergraduate Catalog

8 continuing education, thus fulfilling the needs of the community. 8. Promote the use of innovative and nontraditional teaching methodologies. 9. Promote ethical values that will allow students to exert their professional judgment and performance responsibly. 10. Foster the preservation and dissemination of those values inherent to Puerto Rican culture in a global context. 1. Establish collaborative partnerships among universities, government, industry, and community organizations. 2. Contribute to students awareness of their rights and responsibilities as citizens in a democratic society. ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits Universidad del Turabo. The University is a member of the following organizations: College Entrance Examination Board American Council of Education American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education American Library Association Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business National Universities and Continuing Education Association Universidad del Turabo is accredited by: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico Universidad del Turabo has established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with several institutions in engineering and science. The affiliations include: New Mexico State University Georgia Institute of Technology Science and Technology Alliance: a consortium of Sandia National Laboratories, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico Highlands University, North Carolina A&T, and the Ana G. Méndez University System Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories University of New Mexico Consortium for Minorities in Teaching Careers Universidad del Turabo has extended its outreach through collaborative agreements on an international scale, promoting the exchange of students and professors with institutions such as: Universidad Andrés Bello in Chile Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Colombia Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña in the Dominican Republic STATEMENT OF LICENSURE Licensed by the Council of Higher Education of Puerto Rico. Licensed by the State of Pennsylvania to offer the master s degree in education in the teaching of English as a second language. CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION & BOARD OF DIRECTORS Universidad del Turabo is a member of the Ana G. Méndez University System. A fifteen (15) member board of trustees governs the System. Of these, five (5) are permanent and the board appoints ten (10) for four year terms. The board is composed of distinguished educators, experienced executives, and civic and community leaders. The executive officers of the System are: the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, the Vice President for Human Resources, the Vice President for Planning and Research, the Vice President for Marketing and Student Affairs, the Vice President for Financial Affairs, and the Legal Adviser. They are appointed by the Board of Trustees. The System s bylaws define the objectives, powers, officers, committees, meetings and financial affairs of the institutions. They also specify the way in which the bylaws and regulations of each one of the autonomous institutions will be approved. The Board is the policy making, legislative and fiscal body of the System. It approves the mission of the System and its institutions, and its annual and special budgets; administers its business; confirms appointments; establishes compensations; approves academic programs and longrange institutional plans; and supervises the distribution of funds. The Board has four standing committees: Executive Academic Student Affairs Finance and Auditing Planning and Institutional Advancement BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Antonio J. Colorado, President of the Board Dr. Florabel Mullick, Vicepresident & Permanent Member Mr. José F. Méndez, President of SUAGM & Permanent Member Mr. José F. Méndez, Jr., Permanent Member Mr. Rafael Nadal, Esq., Permanent Member Mr. José Domingo Pérez Ms. Zoraida Fonalledas, Esq. Mr. Juan R. Melecio, Esq. 8 Undergraduate Catalog

9 Dr. Víctor Hernández Dr. Félix Rodríguez Schmidt Ms. Daneris Fernández Sr. Héctor Jiménez S.E. René A. León Mr. Ramiro Millán Gloria Castillo, Secretary of the Board José E. de la Cruz Skerrett, Esq., Legal Advisor CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR Dennis Alicea / Chancellor Gladys Betancourt / Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Iris N. Serrano / Director of Public Relations Alba Rivera / Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development Maricruz Rolón / Alumni Director Jacqueline Mullen Hunt / Vice Chancellor of External Resources Carmen T. Ruiz / Director, Josefina Camacho de la Nuez Musseum and Center for Humanistic Studies David Méndez / Vice Chancellor for International Affairs OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR Roberto Lorán / Vice Chancellor María Del C. Santos / Associate Vice Chancellor Edna Orta Anés / Associate Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Rafael Lozano / Associate Vice Chancellor for Retention José R. Pérez Colón / Assistant Vice Chancellor for Assessment René Rodríguez / Assistant Vice Chancellor for Faculty Evaluation and Development José R. Pérez Jiménez / Interdisciplinary Research Institute Director Armando Soto / Webmaster DOCTORAL STUDIES Sharon A. Cantrell / Dean SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Marcelino Rivera / Dean Brunilda Aponte / Associate Dean Virgin Dones / Associate Dean Linda S. Miranda / Administrative Director Marlin Brignoni / Director of Special Projects Lillian Hernández / Director of Student Services SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Angela Candelario / Dean Jorge H. Garófalo / Associate Dean, Physical Education Department Israel Rodríguez Rivera / Associate Dean Debbie A. Quintana / Associate Dean Maritza Oyola / Student Services Director Carmen D. Rodríguez / Administrative Services Director SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING Jack T. Allison / Dean José R. Deliz / Associate Dean Oscar A. Sáenz / Director, Industrial Engineering Department Juan C. Morales / Director, Mechanical Engineering Department José L. Colón / Director, Electrical Engineering Department Luz C. Vilches / Director, Student Services Rafael M. Rivera / Director, Institute of Telecomunications (IT+) Nelson Martínez / Director, Institute of Engineering Technology SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES Ángel L. Rivera / Dean Carmen M. Pérez Velázquez / Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Nilda I. Boria / Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs María E. Rosa / Director, Nursing Department Nydia V. Bou / Director, Health Professions Department Milva Vega / Director, Naturopathic Medicine Doctoral Program Carmen Santiago / Nursing Clinical Coordinator Nelly González / Student Services Officer Joannie Ortiz / Administrative Affairs Director Ana D. Serrano /Administrative Affairs Coordinator Angeliz Pérez / Academic Affairs Coordinator SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Teresa Lipsett Ruiz / Acting Dean & Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs Fred Schaffner / Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research Carlos J. Olivo / Associate Dean Griselda Correa / Acting Director, Center for Excellence in Advanced Technologies (CETA) Ruth Vallejo / Director, Department of Biology José J. Ducongé / Director, Department of Chemistry and Physics José Sánchez / Director, Department of Mathematics Rolando Roque / Director, Institute of Physical and Chemical Applied Research SCHOOL OF SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES Marco A. Gil de Lamadrid / Dean Tomasita Pabón / Associate Dean, Social Sciences Department Edward Fankhanel / Associate Dean Félix R. Huertas / Associate Dean, General Studies Department Phillip Murray / Director, Language Department Víctor Manuel García / Director, Communications Department María M. Ortiz / Director, Social Work Department Jessica Velázquez / Director, Psychological Services Clinic Undergraduate Catalog

10 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN Aurorisa Mateo / Dean Rosa Musí / Administrative Director SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Mildred Y. Rivera / Assistant Vice President and Dean José A. Sánchez / Associate Dean Statement of Legal Control The Ana G. Méndez University System is a private nonprofit corporation registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Its Board of Directors under the systemwide bylaws governs the corporation. SCHOOL OF TECHNICAL PROGRAMS José R. Del Valle / Assistant Vice President and Dean María E. Flores / Associate Dean INFORMATION RESOURCES Sarai Lastra / Vice Chancellor of Information Resources and Director Virtual Library Luis A. Arroyo / Director, Information Technologies José Medina / Director, Informatics and Telecommunications Luisa Torres / Director of the Library Julie Malavé / Director, Administrative Services OUTREACH Héctor N. Miranda / Vice Chancellor of Outreach OFF CAMPUS CENTERS Glorymary Cruz / Director, Off Campus Center Naguabo and Yabucoa Juan Rosado / Director, Off Campus Center Cayey Carmen L. Rivera / Director, Off Campus Center Isabela Carlos E. Maldonado / Director Off Campus Center Ponce STUDENT AFFAIRS Ana Ortega / Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Juanita Cruz / Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs María V. Figueroa / Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Betsy Vidal / Assistant Vice Chancellor for Wellness and Quality of Student Life María del C. Santos Rodríguez / Assistant Vice Chancellor for Internship and Honor Scholarship Program Carmen Pulliza / Assistant Vice Chancellor, Career and Placement Zoraida Ortiz / Registrar Rosa E. Toledo / Associate Vice Chancellor of Admission and Marketing Carmen J. Rivera López / Director, Financial Aid Gabriel López / Bursar Vacant / Director, Health Services Angel Vázquez / Director, Social and Cultural Activities Eva Merced / Administrative Director Nilda L. Toledo / Student Services Officer Virginia González / Director, Admissions Anabel Solá / Director, Recruitment PHYSICAL FACILITIES, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Mayra Rodríguez / Manager, Physical Facilities and Operations Edwin Calderón / Assistant Manager of Physical Facilities Julio Colón / Director, Administrative Services José E. Machuca / Director, Security Rigoberto Dones / Maintenance Supervisor Non Discrimination Statement The Ana G. Méndez University System and its institutions do not discriminate on the basis of race, handicap, national or ethnic origin, creed, color, gender, social condition or political, religious, social or trade union beliefs. LEGISLATIVE BOARDS The Administrative Council of Universidad del Turabo is the legislative body of the Institution. Its main function is to establish the institutional policy of the University in accordance with the bylaws of the Ana G. Méndez University System. The Administrative Council includes the chancellor, who chairs it, the vice chancellor, the vice chancellor of student s affairs, the manager of physical facilities and operations, the deans of the academic divisions, five (5) faculty representatives, and two (2) student representatives. The Academic Board recommends the academic policy of the Institution, adopts new academic programs, approves the awarding of degrees and evaluates hiring, contract renewals, promotions, and leaves of absence for faculty members. The Academic Board consists of the vice chancellor, the library director, six (6) school deans, two (2) student representatives, one (1) faculty representative for each school, and as many elected faculty members as needed to provide for their majority on the board. The chancellor is an ex officio member of the Academic Board. DOCTORAL STUDIES CENTER Science and Technology Building Office Ext Fax Ext E mail ced@suagm.edu Established in 2003, the Doctoral Studies Center (DSC) is an administrative unit whose main responsibility is to provide resources and support services for graduate students who wish to pursue doctoral studies. Through workshops, seminars and conferences, the Center contributes to the University s image of academic excellence and leadership. The DSC also promotes scholarly research among students and faculty. 10 Undergraduate Catalog

11 The DSC is located in the Science and Technology Building and is directed by the Dean of Doctoral Studies. The Dean interacts with all the UT Schools and their respective coordinators of doctoral programs. In this way, the Doctoral Studies Center and the coordinators work together to ensure that all doctoral students are well attended and supported. MISSION The DSC is devoted to the advancement of knowledge through research activities and to the establishment of ideal support conditions for UT doctoral students. The Center also collaborates with the six UT Schools to stimulate and enhance academic and scientific experiences. VISION The DSC is a key facilitation agent that promotes excellence through academic and leadership opportunities for graduate students by encouraging the development of research activities. SUPPORT SERVICES The Doctoral Studies Center is actively involved in the recruitment, retention and graduation of doctoral students at UT. To this end, the Center provides assistance from the initial application stages to the completion of a doctoral degree. Hence, the Center supports the following initiatives: Academic and career advising Professional development seminars Group study areas Doctoral resources study room Doctoral level bibliographical services Laptop loan program for doctoral students National and international conferences Science authors recognition program Doctoral studies council Doctoral fellowships and scholarships database Teaching assistant and research assistant programs Ultimately, the Doctoral Studies Center is a clearinghouse of information and resources to ensure the graduate students successful completion of an advanced degree while enhancing their personal, social, academic and professional experiences. MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM FOR INNOVATION (MEPI) The aim of this program is to instill entrepreneurial skills, in order to facilitate graduates transition from the academic environment to professional life, and to increase their motivation to start their own businesses. It presents students with the option of a non traditional learning environment which allows them to apply technical skills long before they would learn about them in traditional lecture classes. This initiative fosters the creation by UT students of small business enterprises, thus providing a pathway toward the diversification of employment in Puerto Rico. It also promotes and encourages a framework of collaboration between the university and industry, contributing in this way to the economic development of Puerto Rico s East Central region. Important MEPI activities include an extensive learning environment that is centered on multi disciplinary, active, discovery based learning, and the formation of student enterpreneural work teams that operate using real life private enterprise paradigms. Objectives: Develop in students an entrepreneurial attitude resulting in the creation of new services and enterprises. Contribute to Puerto Rico s economic development Students must enroll in the MEPI for six continuous semesters. Each student enterprise will be required to address and complete at least two major projects. Over a three year period, student tasks and responsibilities will vary, contributing different elements as students progress in their levels of technical expertise, maturity and seniority. The MEPI track is registered on the student s transcript. The MEPI Option replaces 12 credits of existing courses within the programs. These twelve credits are distributed as follows: MEPI 351 New Venture Creation 1 MEPI 352 Legal Issues of Entrepreneurship 1 MEPI 353 The Business Plan 1 MEPI 455 Enterprise Project I 3 MEPI 456 Enterprise Project II 3 Elective (to be chosen from a list provided by the school) 3 RESEARCH INSTITUTES TELECOMMUNICATIONS INSTITUTE (IT+) Under the direction of Dr. Jintao Xiong, and Dr. Jeffrey Duffany, The Telecommunications Institute (IT+) of the School of Engineering of the Universidad del Turabo has installed the most advanced technology in the area of convergence of telecommunications technologies and in the critical area of Network Security in Central America. Undergraduate Catalog

12 The Telecommunications and Information Resources Center specializes in the following research areas: Design of Convergence Networks Network Security Practices and Issues Verification, Validation and Certification of Software Products The installations are divided among three laboratory facilities: the Telecommunications Technologies lab, the Operating Systems lab and the Network Security lab. The main technologies available in these labs are as follows, IP Telephony and Digital Telephony Layer two and three switches Wireless Network Windows Servers HP Unix Servers Linux Development Environment PABX Optic Fiber Cisco Routers Sun Microsystems Blade Servers Computers available: over 100 Digital and Plasma projection facilities and equipment Conference Room Windows, Unix and Linux programming environments PUERTO RICO ENERGY CENTER (PREC) The Puerto Rico Energy Center will be an R&D facility in solid waste disposition and renewable energy. The technological areas of the center are plasma gasification and vitrification, photovoltaic solar cells, and fuel cells. The center will be available for demonstrations of potential applications benefiting municipalities, the pharmaceutical industry, and other private and public partners, helping to promote R&D efforts and business development. It will provide education, awareness, and technical assistance activities on renewable energy, with a particular interest in environmentally friendly solid waste treatments. Under the leadership of Dr. Jack T. Allison, Dean of the School of Engineering, PREC will concentrate its efforts on the implementation of the project s first phase activities: Construction of new PREC facilities Development of Cruise Ship Solid Waste Disposal Prototype Establishment of initial research activities related to: Residue Composition Analysis Hydrogen Production Fuel Cell Laboratory activities INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (I 3 FOR ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) The goal of the Interdisciplinary Research Center is to establish research projects that transcend basic research in the basic sciences, environmental and biomedical sciences. The objectives of this Center are to: Foster internal interdisciplinary research projects to support the professional development of UT faculty Foster interdisciplinary research projects with external collaborators that are relevant to the UT vision and mission. Establish a high quality research center that acts as a liaison between academic and research institutions in the United States and Latin America. The I 3 Research Center is funded through federal and local research grants. In addition, the Center will sponsor conferences, workshops, educational trips, and consulting opportunities to supplement their grant funded income. The Center will concentrate its efforts to establish partnership with federal agencies such as: NASA, NSF, and NIH, as well as, US EPA, NFWF, USGS, NOAA, and TNC. The Director of the Center, Dr. José R. Pérez Jiménez, is currently involved in various interdisciplinary research projects with all the previously mentioned agencies. Some examples are: Las Cucharillas: Wetlands Management Project Environmental Health and Toxicology Vieques Project Disaster Prevention and Management SIG and Environmental Informatics Environmental Disaster Mitigation Bridges to the Doctorate Environmental Assessment Center in Cabo Rojo Fellows Enhancing Science and Research Environmental Education School Network Asthma Prevention and Management Justice, Education and Environmental Information Awareness Program Professional Development Initiatives for Teachers Environmental Professional Development Certification Institute INTERNATIONAL CENTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (CIEMADES) CIEMADeS is an international R & D initiative involving Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Haiti; its purpose is to address environmental and sustainable development issues in these three Caribbean countries. This 12 Undergraduate Catalog

13 collaboration is driven by the Caribbean area s insufficient environmental protection, increasing population density, territorial limitations, lack of social awareness regarding the environment, increasing and urgent economic developments, and the need to strengthen specialized government infrastructures. Through CIEMADeS, these three countries will be able to: focus attention on regional issues, share experiences and available resources, and facilitate academic and scientific synergy related activities. The following initial projects have been proposed to establish this international initiative: Host a regional conference to discuss environmental and sustainable development issues Develop a human resources (environment and sustainable development) experts inventory Characterize environmental and sustainable development parameters Create a regional environmental resources database to be used as a baseline Establish a post graduate scholarship program Develop a formal and informal environmental curriculum IMPORTANT NOTE: This catalog contains the major points of the current agreements between the students and Universidad del Turabo. The University limits its agreement to the semester or session in which the student is duly enrolled and for which (s)he has paid the corresponding fee. It is the student s responsibility to know and comply with the rules expressed herein, which coincide with current bylaws and regulations of the University, the administrative resolutions, and the federal laws on civil rights. ADMISSIONS GENERAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS Students wishing to be admitted to Universidad del Turabo undergraduate programs must meet the following requirements: 1. File an application with the Admissions Office within the stipulated time limit. 2. Graduate from an accredited high school or complete studies equivalent to high school and submit the necessary certifications. 3. If 25 years of age or less, take the College Entrance Examination Board and the test of the Diagnostic and Placement Center (DPC) of Universidad del Turabo. Students over the age of 25 will take the DPC test. 4. Possess the minimum admission index approved by the Academic Board. Candidates with an index below the minimum must be interviewed to determine eligibility. 5. Submit a $15.00 nonrefundable application fee. 6. Candidates for programs with additional admission requirements, such as additional tests, interviews and letters of recommendation, must comply with these requirements. ADMISSIONS FORMULA Admissions will be determined by the Admission Index formula. It is computed using the results of the following areas of the College Entrance Examination Board: verbal aptitude, mathematics aptitude and English achievement. The high school grade point average is also considered. ENGLISH/SPANISH PLACEMENT TEST 1. Incoming first year students MUST take the UT placement exam. Information about when and where the tests are offered is provided to entering students by the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. 2. The placement exams are used to assess the performance of entering students in the fundamental subjects of Spanish and English. The scores of these tests are used to place students in courses that are appropriately challenging. 3. Students with Advanced Placement College Board Scores of 4 or higher in English or Spanish are exempt from taking the English/Spanish Placement Test and are placed automatically in second year English/Spanish. 4. If you are a transfer student and your transcript has been evaluated by your admitting college, then you may have already received credit for a particular English/Spanish course. Your college will alert you to the next English/Spanish course you will need to take. 5. If you are a transfer student who has NOT been given transfer credit for an English/Spanish course, you will need to take the placement test. 6. Students who have not taken English/Spanish MUST take the Universidad del Turabo placement exam before enrolling in any English/Spanish course. READMISSION 1. Students must apply for readmission if they interrupted their studies and did not attend the university for one semester or longer. (Summer sessions do not count as interruptions.) 2. Students must complete the required number of credits for their year of study. 3. Students must comply with the requirements of the study program of their choice as well as other general requirements that may apply. 4. In order to be readmitted, the period of suspension for academic or disciplinary reasons must have elapsed. Undergraduate Catalog

14 5. Candidates for readmission may be required to have an interview with the Admissions Committee. It is comprised of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs or his representative, the Director of Admissions, the Vice Chancellor for Wellness, the Registrar, the Vice Chancellor or his representative and the dean of the school. In special cases, the Committee will have the final authority to determine admissions. TRANSFER STUDENTS Transfer students are considered for admission if they have followed a course of study in an accredited university and have completed no fewer than 12 credits in the institution from which they proceed. Their grade point average (GPA) must be above the institutional minimum requirement. The students must not be under academic or disciplinary sanction in the institution from which they proceed. In order to be admitted, students wishing to transfer must meet the requirements of the program of their choice. The Admissions Committee can evaluate applications. COURSE VALIDATION Transfer students have the option of validating courses taken no more than 12 years prior to admission for equivalent courses offered at Universidad del Turabo. The students must have a minimum grade of C in each course. ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST Credit will be granted for the Advanced Placement Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board if the score obtained is 3 or more, on a scale of 1 to 5. PRE COLLEGE COURSES Credit will be granted to students for courses offered by Universidad del Turabo at the high school level. These courses must be in addition to those required for graduation and must be approved with a grade of A, B or C. The various schools will establish the grades required in the courses to be credited. The Pre College Program will keep record of the student s progress and will send evidence of the completed courses to the Registrar s Office, after the student is officially admitted to the University. This documentation will become part of the student s file. RESIDENCE All transfer students must observe the following rules to obtain residence at the University in order to qualify for graduation: 1. Complete the last (30) thirty credits of their bachelor s degree at Universidad del Turabo, (12) of which must be in their major field of study. 2. Successfully complete the last twelve (12) credits of the associate degree at Universidad del Turabo. 3. Twelve (12) credits of residence (set by each program) will be required of students from Off Campus Centers. TRANSIENT STUDENTS Transient students must be authorized by their own university to take courses at Universidad del Turabo for no longer than two academic semesters. Universidad del Turabo admits visiting students or auditors. They must apply for admission within the time limit established by the Admissions Office. They must attend their regular courses but will receive no credits or grades. These students are not eligible for financial aid. Authorization for enrollment of transient students and auditors does not constitute a formal admission into the institution, and it terminates at the end of the academic session for which it was granted. To obtain regular student status, students must comply with the admission requirements in force at the time when the application for admission was filed. All applications are subject to an interview by the Admissions Committee. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS The Universidad del Turabo accepts foreign students as permitted by immigration laws. Foreign students are subject to the admission, readmission and transfer requirements established by the Universidad del Turabo. EFFECTIVE DATES Admission or readmission at Universidad del Turabo will be valid for one semester of the academic year, beginning on the date it is granted. Applications that do not include the required documents, or that do not meet all the established requirements, will be considered provisional. If all the documents are not received within 60 days from the first day of class, the institution may invalidate the provisional admission. Applications forms should be requested from: UNIVERSIDAD DEL TURABO ADMISSIONS OFFICE P O BOX 3030 UNIVERSITY STATION GURABO PR TELEPHONE: (787) TUITION AND SPECIAL FEES Once a year the Office of the Vice President of Financial Affairs publishes a circular letter with information about tuition costs for all academic programs, and special fees for student services at Universidad del Turabo. Upon request, this document is available at the Bursar s Office to students and to anyone in the institution who requests it. 14 Undergraduate Catalog

15 Tuition, fees and service charges must be paid in full during registration or at the time the student requests services. Payments can be made in cash or by check, money order, debit cards or credit cards. Receipts for all transactions must be requested and retained, and presented with any claim or request for adjustment. The Bursar s Office will not accept claims without receipts. In accordance with established rules and regulations of the institution, the Ana G. Méndez University System may amend standards and tuition fees. The Deferred Payment Plan is available to parents, tutors or adult students who do not receive financial aid. The recipient will sign a promissory note and payments will be made on or before the specified date on the promissory note. If the University is forced to contract legal or collection services in order to collect, the student will pay the legal and/or agency fees. CLEAR STATEMENT Students with an outstanding debt balance will not be allowed to take final examinations until such balance is paid in full. Upon receipt of payment, the Bursar s Office will issue a Clear Statement, which must be presented by the student at each examination. Students who do not comply with this requirement will receive a grade of Incomplete and will be required to pay a $20.00 fee for each Incomplete grade in order to have it removed from the record. ADJUSTMENTS AND REFUNDS Active students who request total withdrawal before 60% of the registration period has ended will receive an adjustment in the fees and assigned funds in accordance with federal regulations for programs with Title IV funds. In addition, students identified as NA (not attending) a course will be charged a 12% fee for each course in which they enrolled. These fees will not be covered by federal funds. During the add/drop course adjustment period, students can add or drop sections without additional cost. FINANCIAL AID Universidad del Turabo makes every effort to help its students obtain government financial aid for those who are unable to begin or continue their university education without such aid. There are three categories of financial aid: scholarships, loans and work study programs. SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are granted according to the educational and financial needs of the student. Only undergraduate students are eligible to receive funds through Pell Grants. However, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application is needed to determine the student s eligibility for other federal aid programs. STATE FUNDS The Council of Higher Education of Puerto Rico provides funds to supplement the cost of graduate education. This aid applies to all students who are eligible according to the student s eligibility index provided by the FAFSA evaluation. FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS The Financial Aid Office will recommend and process the loan directly to the U.S. Department of Education in its electronic form. This loan must be repaid in cash; the repayment should begin six (6) months after the student graduates or ceases to study. The Federal Government will pay the interest while the student is enrolled in a recognized post secondary institution. The interest is variable but does not exceed 8.25 percent. Borrowers should check the interest rate on their promissory note. WORK STUDY PROGRAM This program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students. The Financial Aid Office assigns a specific amount of hours that the student works on campus. FAMILY FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL LOANS PROGRAM The Financial Aid Office will recommend and process the loan directly to WACHOVIA in its electronic form. This loan must be repaid in cash; the repayment should begin six (6) months after the student graduates or ceases to study. The guaranty agency HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION will pay the interest while the student is enrolled in a recognized post secondary institution. The interest is variable but does not exceed 8.25 percent. Borrowers should check the interest rate on their promissory note. FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION AND RENEWAL The deadline for application or renewal of financial aid for the academic year is May 2. Applications received after this date will be classified as late applications and will be processed as such after receiving the applications submitted on time. Late applications will be reviewed if funds are available. Students who have participated in the financial aid program during the first term do not need to renew their financial aid program during the same academic year if they comply with the requirements for continuing in the program. Financial aid must be requested through the FAFSA form on the Web, in person at the Financial Aid Office or by mail at: Universidad del Turabo Admissions & Financial Aid P O Box 3030 University Station Undergraduate Catalog

16 Gurabo, Puerto Rico The FAFSA includes the list of requirements and documentation necessary to apply for financial aid. Important Note The above mentioned aid is conditioned to the availability of the respective federal, state and institutional funds. It is the student s responsibility to take the steps necessary to obtain financial aid from the government. Such aid is directed to the student as a citizen and not necessarily to the University. Universidad del Turabo is a private, secular, nonprofit institution, and is independent of any government. The institution fully complies with the Privacy Rights of Parents and Students Act of 1974 (Title IV of the U.S. Public Law ), as amended, which specifically governs access to records maintained by institutions to which funds are made available under any federal program for which the U.S. Commission of Education has administrative responsibility, and the release of such records. Such institutions must give parents of students access to official records that are directly related to the students and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. Institutions must obtain the written consent of parents before releasing or relinquishing data with personal identification from the records, except to certain specified parties. (Parents and students must be notified of these rights transfer to students at certain points, and an office and review board has been designated at the federal office of Health, Education and Welfare to investigate and decide on complaints and violations of this law. *In order to receive financial aid, students must comply with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. ACADEMIC REGULATIONS REGISTRATION FOR COURSES a. The Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs establishes the period for the registration process and includes the enrollment period in the calendar. b. Students are required to register during the period specified in the calendar. c. The official notification of admission is required to begin the enrollment process. d. For registration to be official, the bursar must validate the student s program receipt. the classrooms of announced courses and to close or eliminate sections or courses from its academic offerings. CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS Full time regular students are those who have registered for programs of no less than twelve (12) credit hours and are degree seeking candidates. Part time students are those with an academic workload of six (6) to eleven (11) credits hours and are degree seeking candidates. ACADEMIC LOAD Academic load will not exceed twelve (12) credits per term for students with a GPA of 2.00 or less, and eighteen (18) credits per term for students with a GPA of 2.01 to An academic load or more than twenty one (21) credits will require prior approval by the dean of the school. For summer sessions, academic load will not exceed twelve (12) credits, distributed over two (2) sessions. An academic load or more than twelve (12) credits will require prior approval by the dean of the school and a referral by a counselor. ATTENDANCE Class attendance is required. Students are responsible for the academic work done in class during their absence. The professor will report to the Office of the Registrar those students who have not attended three (3) consecutive classes during a semester without a reasonable excuse, or two (2) classes in a summer session. The professor will also refer the student to the Student Services Coordinator. WN (Non Attendance) will be placed on those students academic records at the end of the term. GRADING SYSTEM The Office of the Registrar distributes final grades after the end of each term. Students are graded according to the following system of letters and percentage values. A (90 100) = excellent B (80 89) = good C (70 79) = average D (60 69) = deficient F (0 59) = failure A 4 grade points per credit hour B 3 grade points per credit hour C 2 grade points per credit hour D 1 grade point per credit hour F O grade points per credit hour In special cases the following grading system will be used: Students are also required to register during the assigned calendar period, for day or evening, sessions, and this information will become part of their academic record. The institution has the right to change the time, the calendar or W I IP Official Withdrawal Incomplete Work To be awarded only with the Registrar s permission in courses that span more than one term. 16 Undergraduate Catalog

17 P Passing Grade Grades of P are not counted toward grade point average. NP Failure NR Not Reported * Repeated Course WA Administrative Withdrawal WN Non Attendance enrolled but did not attend classes. AU Audit Course T Transfer Credit GRADE CHANGES Students who believe that there is an error in one or more grades should notify the Office of the Registrar within the first thirty (30) calendar days of the beginning of the next session. Students who do not receive their grades at the end of any semester should immediately contact the Office of the Registrar. An instructor may change a previously assigned grade by processing an official change of grade form in the Registrar s Office. The instructor must request the grade change form, cite the reason for changing the grade, and submit it to the school or program dean(s) for approval. All grade changes must be submitted to the Registrar s Office no later than the last day of class of the following semester. GRADE APPEALS If the student feels that he or she has not been graded fairly, (s)he should first consult the professor. If this proves unsatisfactory, the student should then consult the dean of the school or program. If still unsatisfied, the student may consult the Vice Chancellor and submit an official grade appeal to the Registrar s Office. A committee hearing will be scheduled. INCOMPLETE I GRADE The student will receive a provisional grade of INCOMPLETE only in the case of a justifiable absence from the final examination and if there are a minimum of three partial grades required in the course. The opportunity to make up the examination or final project will be offered only to those students who have a chance of obtaining a minimum final grade of D. It will be the responsibility of the student in question to make the necessary arrangements with the professor or dean of the corresponding area to determine the final project and to change the INCOMPLETE. The INCOMPLETE (I) status can be changed if the student completes the required work within the first thirty (30) days of the next academic session, in accordance with the established dates of the academic calendar. The student who, due to the INCOMPLETE received in one or more courses, does not demonstrate academic progress will recuperate financial aid once the INCOMPLETE is removed in accordance with institutional norms, providing that this occurs within the deadline established by the federal government for assigning such aid has not elapsed. For the purpose of evaluating a student s satisfactory academic progress at the end of the academic year, the (I) will be considered. After the removal of the Incomplete (I), he or she can appeal the institutional decision regarding academic standing. REPEATING COURSES Students may repeat a course in order to improve their academic average. Credit will be given for the higher grade, which will be used to compute the grade point average. If the grade in the second attempt is the same as the first, only one will be used to calculate the cumulative average. a. Students who wish to repeat a course may do so. However, they must repeat all courses required for graduation where a D, F, W, or WF grade was obtained. b. The institution will allow students who earned a C, D, F, W or WF, WN in a course, to receive financial aid to repeat the course provided that 150% of the intended courses have not been exceeded. c. Students who repeat a course will receive the higher grade. d. If the grade obtained in a repeated course is the same as the previous grade, it will count for the cumulative average but will count only once for the graduation GPA. e. ewith respect to practicum courses, the student will have only two opportunities to repeat the course pending the recommendations and approval of the program dean and practicum supervisor. f. A student will not be able to repeat the course until a grade has been posted. WITHDRAWALS Students wishing to officially withdraw from a course or from the institution must file an application with the Office of the Registrar within the period established in the academic calendar. A reduction in course workload may jeopardize the student s financial and/or veteran s benefits. The academic standing of the student will not be affected by partial or full withdrawals from the institution so long as the withdrawal is carried out before the end of the period specified by the institution for tuition refund eligibility. In the case of full withdrawal from the institution, the student will be considered not to have studied that semester. Undergraduate Catalog

18 Dropping courses or withdrawing from the institution after the end of the above mentioned specific period will affect the academic standing of the student. The student will be classified in the category in which he or she falls at the end of the period for withdrawal eligible for refund of registration fees. CHANGES IN THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES Students can apply for a reclassification in a program or major if they comply with the following: 1. Have an interview with the school dean 2. Apply for reclassification at the Office of the Registrar. Students can apply for only one reclassification during a semester. No applications will be considered during the summer. The applications must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days after the third week of class of each semester. All enrolled credits and the cumulative average from the student s previous program will be considered for the purposes of the Satisfactory Academic Progress norm of the program into which the student has been reclassified. STANDARDS FOR ACADEMIC PROGRESS There are three categories of regular students according to their grade point average and number of courses completed: students with excellent achievement; students with satisfactory achievement; and students on probation. Students with a satisfactory academic progress are those with a grade point average equal to or higher than the established retention index and who satisfy the percentage of approved credit hours established by the academic norms. At the end of each academic year, the Registrar will determine the grade point average (GPA) and the credit hours required of each student per academic year. This information will be measured against the established retention standards in order to determine the academic status of the student. Academic progress of students admitted as transfer students will be evaluated for retention purposes at the end of their first year; credits and grade point average prior to that year will not be considered. ACADEMIC PROBATION Students whose academic achievement is below the established retention index or who do not complete the percent of approved credit hours required according to regulations will be placed on academic probation for one (1) year, during which time they will be eligible for economic assistance. For students of Technical Programs, the probation period will be for one (1) semester. Upon completion of the probation period, students must meet the required percentage of credit hours and grade point average as established by their academic degree program. For retention indexes, and percentage of credits required see Appendix. ACADEMIC SUSPENSIONS Students will receive a one (1) year academic suspension if the cumulative academic index is lower than the retention index, or if they have not met the percentage of required credit hours upon completion of their probation period. The University will not accept courses, diplomas or degrees earned by a student during the academic suspension period. Students who wish to be readmitted upon completion of their academic suspension period must meet the current university readmission requirements. Students who interrupt their studies or program during the probation period will still be considered on probation during the readmission process. Readmitted students who have completed their one (1) year suspension period will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee of their academic program. Upon readmission, students will be placed on probation for a second period. If a student does not meet the required retention index and the percentage of approved credit hours during the second probation period, he or she will be suspended academically for a maximum period of two (2) years. The institution may suspend a student on recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee or the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, following the dispositions of the Student Regulations available in the Students Rights and Responsibilities Manual. Under extraordinary conditions, the Academic Suspension Appeals Committee may approve an additional probation period of one (1) year if a student is able to complete all the graduation requirements within that academic year. APPEALS a. A student may appeal an institutional decision regarding satisfactory academic progress, if under extenuating or crisis circumstances he or she was not able to meet the requirements or conditions established by the University. b. The University will consider the following crisis or extenuating circumstances to accept a student s appeal and to grant an exemption from the Academic Progress 18 Undergraduate Catalog

19 Policies: illness of the student or a relative, economic crisis due to illness affecting the head of household, natural disasters, divorce, death in the immediate family, family problems, legal circumstances, and justified changes in academic objectives which cause an impact on the student s academic progress. Appeals Committee A. The Appeals Committee will be composed of one representative from each of the following offices: Dean of the School, Registrar, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designated representatives. Appeals Application A. Students who meet any of the academic progress appeals criteria must submit all the necessary documentation to justify their request. B. If a student requests an appeal based on a mathematical or calculation error, and it is corrected by the Office of the Registrar, he or she will not go through the full Appeals process. REINSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID If a student s appeal is accepted by the Appeals Committee, he or she will be eligible to receive financial aid as long as he or she meets the federal financial aid deadlines and guidelines. Appeals decisions are issued in writing by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. This communication is issued by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to reinstate a student s financial aid package. If a student meets the conditions regarding his or her academic progress or those related to any academic sanction, he or she will be eligible to receive financial aid during the following enrollment period. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES A Students Rights and Responsibilities Manual, available to all students, sets forth the rights of students, along with corresponding responsibilities. This document also addresses issues associated with the relationship between the student and the University. It provides information on protection in academic pursuit and privacy of records; sets forth all the conditions for responsible behavior on the campus; lists the various appeal and grievance procedures available to students; and includes a section on student discipline with control and discipline of college students. This document complies with relevant federal regulations such as the awarding of financial aid, protection of privacy of records, and equal access/equal opportunity. FAMILY RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT INFORMATION STATEMENT Universidad del Turabo has a longstanding commitment to protect students rights and privacy of information. This commitment will continue as a matter of University practice. The University complies with the provisions of the federal Family Rights and Privacy Act. These federal and state requirements relate to accessibility and confidentiality, provide pertinent and detailed information concerning classification of student records, and access and release provisions. University procedures are available to students, faculty, administration, and staff in the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Students Affairs, as well as in other offices and departments of the campus. In addition, the complete procedures are published in the Student Manual. RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION In accordance with Public Law , FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT, students at Universidad del Turabo have the right to inspect educational records and to correct such records as warranted. The institution protects students from release of information for inspection and review unless he or she waives this right. The parent(s) of U.S.C.S.s. 152 Internal Revenue Code also has the right to inspect records, which are maintained by the University on behalf on the student. There are two distinct categories of records: (1) directory information records, and (2) limited access records. 1. Directory information, which may be made public, includes the student s name, last known address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. The office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs will only release this information after the petitioner has demonstrated a legitimate need to have such information. Students who do not wish release of directory information must complete a statement in the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of each term; otherwise, directory information may be disclosed by the University for legitimate purposes. 2. Limited access records pertain to the permanent academic records of the student, disciplinary records, financial information, and testing data. This category also includes all records maintained officially by the institution which do not come under the categories of Undergraduate Catalog

20 directory information, or sole possession records. The institution will not release information in limited access records unless it has the written permission of the student or parent. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Undergraduate students of Universidad del Turabo will be eligible to receive academic degrees after meeting the following requirements and procedures: 1. Students must apply for graduation at the Registrar s Office during the period established in the academic calendar. 2. Completion of the courses required for the degree as set down by the institution. 3. Completion of the number of credit hours required for the degree with a minimum grade point average of The minimum grade point average in the major is To compute the grade point average for graduation, only successfully completed courses which were requirements for the degree or certificate will be considered. 6. All students who enter Universidad del Turabo will be subject to the graduation requirements in force during the year they were admitted. Nevertheless, if the curriculum was modified, the student can choose to graduate under the new curriculum, but not by a combination of both. 7. Transfer students must complete at Universidad del Turabo at least the last thirty (30) credit hours of a bachelor s degree and the last twelve (12) credit hours of an associate degree. The student must complete the last twelve (12) credits of his/her major at Universidad del Turabo. Students must also settle any debts with the institution. No document certifying graduation will be given until documentation has been presented that there are no outstanding debts. All students applying for readmission will be subject to the requirements for graduation in effect during the year they are readmitted. Commencement exercises will be held once a year, at the end of the second academic semester. Students who meet graduation requirements at the end of any term or summer session may apply to the Office of the Registrar for a certification to that effect. GRADUATION WITH HONORS Students are eligible for the following honor designations: Cum Laude Average of 3.50 to 3.69 Magna Cum Laude Average of 3.70 to 3.89 Summa Cum Laude Average of 3.90 to 4.00 Transfer students may graduate with honors if they obtain a grade point average of 3.50 or higher in a minimum of 60 credits at Universidad del Turabo. COURSE VALIDITY Credits earned through courses taken at Universidad del Turabo or at an accredited institution will be valid for a maximum of 7 years. After that period the credits will lapse. STUDENT SERVICES Universidad del Turabo improves and advances the student experience by streamlining its student services into one centralized location, the Integrated Student Services Center (CISE, from its Spanish acronym). The purpose of this Center is to provide competent professional assistance in two areas: (1) Enrollment management services and (2) Academic and personal support services. The Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs oversees the development and growth of these areas. ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Office of Marketing and Recruitment recruits new students, transfers and readmissions. It disseminates information on UT academic offerings, strengths and services through various promotion and recruitment activities. It coordinates and offers orientation activities to recruit students into doctoral and graduate programs by means of integrated campaigns. The Office develops yearround activities of recruitment with key personnel of the schools. The Admission and Financial Aid Office offers financial aid orientation, evaluates and processes admission requests and admits students within the parameters established by each school. It also analyzes documentation and assigns state, federal and institutional funds, while maintaining communication with the student on the status of his/her request for admission and financial aids. Among others essential functions, the Office coordinates the process of interviews and admission of prospective students with the different schools. It also administers and coordinates Title IV programs and processes the funds of proposals, athletic, administrative and honor scholarships. The Bursar is responsible for applying the fee policies and administering the payment plans that guarantee institutional incomes. This officer notifies and monitors the compliance of the fiscal policy established by the Vice Presidency of Financial Affairs, establishes the process of validation of registration, administers the application of federal funds refund policies and registers the private and public contracts of agencies. It also applies refund processes and the emission of checks to students, registers payments and maintains the collection system of the students accounts. 20 Undergraduate Catalog